Council hears disputes concerning Neversink Bridge plan

PORT JERVIS — Controversy over plans to replace the Neversink Bridge preoccupied much of the Common Council meeting on Monday.

Jessica Cohen

PORT JERVIS — Controversy over plans to replace the Neversink Bridge preoccupied much of the Common Council meeting on Monday.

Kathi Hylas, whose two rental properties and part of her yard on East Main Street would be taken for the project as planned, read extensive comments composed by her attorney, Michael Burke, that cast doubt on evidence presented previously to support the plan.

She overran her five minutes allotted speaking time, and her neighbor Alyta Adams, also distressed by the bridge plans, completed the reading.

Joseph Seperac, whose property at 4 N. Maple Ave., with two commercial and five residential units, would be taken, also spoke about his concerns and doubts about the necessity of demolishing his property.

Hylas accused the engineers who designed the bridge replacement plan, Clough Harbour and Associates (CHA) in King of Prussia, Pa., of "questionable" answers to her. She said she found no basis for the assertion that FEMA had rejected the possibility of building the new bridge downstream from the current one. A downstream bridge would not require demolition of the buildings.

When she asked for documentation, she said after the meeting, she was referred to Port Jervis DPW Director Vincent Lopez, who said no FEMA rejection had occurred. The only documentation he had from FEMA was an old flood plain report.

Project engineer Ted Otteni was unavailable for comment, and his colleague Samantha Comerota, assistant project engineer, said, "I'm not sure if FEMA responses were documented with the city."

Mayor Russell Potter said later, "I just think the right questions were not asked at the meeting. Once questions are answered, moving ahead will be easier. Maybe not the plan as is, but close."

But Councilman Stan Siegel said, "The engineer said there was a FEMA report at the meeting, but evidently there is no report."

The difference in bridge placement, he noted, is only the width of the bridge.

As for the uncertainty about FEMA's position, he said, "I have no idea. That's why I asked for another meeting. The engineers are the only ones with answers."

Vince Lopez was not available for comment, and DPW Assistant Director Jack Farr said he was not allowed to comment. But he said, "There'll be another meeting. Let them have more meetings."

Also at the meeting was Anne Horsham, requesting donations of twin and queen-size sheets for a local homeless aid group, HONOR, which stands for Helping Others Needing Our Resources. And Danette Shepard of D.R. Shepard Consulting and Services announced a meeting at the Port Jervis Youth Center at 6 p.m. Wednesday to explore youth mental health issues in Port Jervis. Their intent is to gather information to implement a plan supported by a "small grant" for an initiative led by Shepard and the Catholic Charities Community Services.

Photo by Jessica Cohen

At the Common Council meeting on Monday, Damian Brady, left, corporation counsel for the City of Port Jervis, talks with Joseph Seperac, whose property has been condemned for Neversink Bridge replacement.

Photo by Jessica Cohen

Danette Shepard announced a community event to be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Port Jervis Youth Center, 134 Pike St., to find ways to identify mental health issues among local youth and provide relevant services.

Photo by Jessica Cohen

Anne Horsham, representing a local homeless aid group called Helping Others Needing Our Resources, asks for contributions of twin and queen size sheets.

Photo by Jessica Cohen

Speaking at Monday's Port Jervis Common Council meeting, Kathi Hylas objects to the city's plans for the Neversink Bridge.

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